IT’S been 29 years since the Whitaker name was last etched on the World Cup trophy. But next month, Robert is hoping to join the elopers, gamblers and thrill-seekers boarding a Las Vegas-bound flight for the prestigious final. It was Robert’s father John who rode
Milton to the first of their back-to-back World Cup victories back in 1990, but memories of his uncle Michael’s runner-up finish at the world-famous Thomas and Mack Center in 2005 have really inspired Robert this season.
“That event was something special. I’ve jumped in a few World Cup Finals, but I’ve always wanted to compete in Vegas,” says the 37-year-old Yorkshireman, who just missed out on automatic qualification – competition to secure a place at this year’s finale has been hotter than the Nevada sun. He remains hopeful he could yet qualify on a wild card.
Robert’s leading partner this season has been his stable superstar Catwalk IV – the 17-year-old who was wayward in his youth, but has been nurtured into a top grand prix horse.
“He certainly had a lot of character as a young horse, but he’s just been incredible,” says Robert. “Some horses lose their jump as they get older, but he doesn’t feel like a 17-year-old – he’s still so scopey and finds it all very easy.”
In Helsinki in November, Robert not only won his first World Cup qualifier, but also secured a rare double when heading the show’s grand prix, too.
This story is from the March 12, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
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This story is from the March 12, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
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